The Uneven Reach of Decentralization: A Case Study among Indigenous Peoples in the Bolivian Amazon

Victoria, R G and Vadez, V and Aragon, J and Huanca, T and Jagger, P (2010) The Uneven Reach of Decentralization: A Case Study among Indigenous Peoples in the Bolivian Amazon. International Political Science Review/ Revue internationale de science politique, 31 (2). pp. 229-243.

PDF Download (226kB)

Abstract

Decentralization reforms aim at strengthening democracy by promoting political participation among citizens. Research shows (1) that information is a prerequisite for political participation and (2) that people face different private costs in acquiring information. Here we combine the two lines of research and ask: what private costs hamper the acquisition of information on decentralization? For the analysis, we use data from an indigenous population of lowland Bolivia. We surveyed 319 Tsimane’ adults in 12 villages. We found that nine years after the passage of the decentralization laws, knowledge about those reforms had only partially reached the Tsimane’. People who live closer to municipal towns, had more schooling, and participated in the market economy were more aware of decentralization. Political authorities trying to spread the potential benefits of decentralization should address the structural limitations of the dissemination of political knowledge.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
Depositing User:	Library ICRISAT
Date Deposited:	17 Aug 2011 06:35
Last Modified:	17 Aug 2011 06:35
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/236
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0192512110364257
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	UNSPECIFIED
Links:	Author

View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item